绕过矿产禁令，第三国对美锑出口量暴增，商务部：专项行动已部署

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how the U.S. has circumvented China's mineral export ban by importing key minerals like antimony through third countries, leading to a significant increase in U.S. imports of these minerals despite China's restrictions [3][5][10]. Group 1: U.S. Actions and Responses - The U.S. government has been secretly importing minerals from China via third countries like Mexico and Thailand to bypass China's export ban on critical minerals [5][8]. - Reports indicate that from December 2022 to April 2023, the U.S. imported 3,834 tons of antimony oxide from Thailand and Mexico, which is more than the total imports from the previous three years [8][10]. Group 2: China's Export Controls - In response to U.S. sanctions, China implemented strict export bans on key minerals such as antimony, gallium, and germanium starting December 2023 [3][5]. - China has also tightened controls on dual-use items to prevent their export to the U.S. [3]. Group 3: Consequences of Circumvention - The circumvention of China's export controls has rendered these measures ineffective, undermining China's leverage in U.S.-China relations [10]. - This situation highlights the internal challenges China faces, as domestic entities may be colluding with foreign parties to smuggle critical minerals out of the country [11][13]. Group 4: Government Actions - In light of the situation, China's Ministry of Commerce has initiated a special operation to combat the export of critical minerals to the U.S. through third countries [11].